Conner Sets Coker Doubles Record, Cobras Drop Series

ANDERSON, S.C.- The Coker College baseball team wrapped up their South Atlantic Conference series with Anderson University on Saturday, March 10, falling to the Trojans 10-6 in game two and 6-3 in game three of the series. In game one of the doubleheader on Saturday, Bryson Conner collected two doubles and home run on the afternoon. 

GAME ONE-

Bryson Conner led off Coker's offensive attack with a double to left-center field in the first inning. Conner's double gave him 39 for his career at Coker, which is a new program record.

Later in the fourth, Conner belted a solo-shot to left field, putting the Cobras on the board, trailing 3-1.

In the top of the sixth, Coker rallied for three runs on Anderson. Brooks Estrada singled, Michael Serafin reached on an error, and Thomas Lopez singled to load the bases with no outs. With two outs, Lake Lybrand walked to bring in a run. The Trojans then went to the bullpen, sparring a strategic move from Coker, bringing in KJ Curry to pinch hit for Reilly Hall. Curry was able to force a throwing error from the new Anderson pitcher, which scored two runs before the inning ended. The Navy and Gold pushed the score to 6-4 in the inning.

After Anderson moved the score to 8-4 in the sixth, Coker responded for two more runs in the seventh.

Conner moved to 3-for-4 at that point, (2 2B, HR) with a leadoff double, Estrada singled through the left side, and Serafin reached on a fielding error at third. The play allowed Conner to score. Lopez then flew out to right, but an error on the throw moved Estrada to third. With runners on the corners, RJ Ball pinch hit for Connor Cleary, sending an RBI single up the middle to put the score 8-6.

Anderson went on to score two more runs in the eighth to win game two, 10-6.

Conner finished the day going 3-for-5 (2 2B, HR, 2 R, 1 RBI) at the plate, becoming the leader in career doubles at Coker.

Estrada was also 3-for-5 in the game with two runs scored.

GAME TWO-

Trailing 1-0 heading into the third inning, Larry McCabe opened the frame with a leadoff walk. Tanner Crosby then beat out an infield single to put runners on first and second. Lake Lybrand then gave himself up, dropping a sacrifice bunt down the first base line that put runners in scoring position. Matt Swiderski stepped in and doubled to left field driving in both runs to give Coker the lead 2-1.

Anderson responded in the bottom half of the inning with two runs of their own, carrying a 3-2 lead into the fourth.

The Navy and Gold pushed across their final run of the day in the top of the fourth. With one out, Thomas Lopez reached on an error by the Trojans' shortstop and was doubled home by RJ Ball with a shot up the middle to tie the game 3-3.

Anderson went on to score two runs in the fourth and one in the sixth to beat Coker 6-3 in the series finale.

Swiderski finished game three of the series going 2-for-4 at the dish with two runs driven in and a double.

Coker will return home to play host to the Claflin University Panthers on Tuesday, March 13 at 2:00 p.m. from Tom J. New Field at Dave Schmotzer Stadium. Video and live-stats will be available by visiting www.cokercobras.com.